The Allianz Memorial Van Damme has a rich history that goes back to 1977. In 2017 the organisers decided to create a Hall of Fame, so that the athletes who contributed to the famous history of the meeting could be honoured. Willie Banks, Gail Devers, Sebastian Coe, Heike Drechsler, Steve Cram, Merlene Ottey, Hicham El Guerrouj, Kim Gevaert, Tia Hellebaut and meeting founder and long time meeting director Wilfried Meert have been introduced in that Hall of Fame.
On Friday Sep.3rd, at the occasion of the 45th Allianz Memorial Van Damme, Mike Powell will also receive his place in the Hall of Fame. The Long Jumper from Philadelphia made his debut in Brussels in 1985, at 21 years of age with a 5th place. At his 7 next appearances - in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994 – Powell was unbeatable. Every time he outclassed his opponents with efforts between 8,20m and 8,58m.
In 1991 Powell became the World Champion in Tokyo where the Olympic Games are held, with a sensational jump of 8,95m. He then finally bettered the 23 year old World Record from Bob Beamon by 5cm. Powell’s World Record still stands strong 30 years later.
The Men’s Long Jump is on the program of the 45th Allianz Memorial Van Damme, the second to last leg of the Wanda Diamond League.
